Modernity Ignites 3-Day Auction on Bidsquare

Apr 27,2017 | 22:53 EDT By Jessica Helen Weinberg

A torch, a hammer, a paint brush or a camera; innovations in art and design can be forged on the tips of a fiery weld or developed and submerged in a tray of cold chemicals- it is often those who persist with the most passion and fervor that make their craft appear ever so simple. In the midsts of an auction, its easy to forget the first block that these items passed; whether it be the midcentury drafting table of Mies Van Der Rohe or the industrial workbench of a young Louis Vuitton, a few minutes of bids can embody the significance of a lifetimes worth of achievements.

Aside from his personal artistic practice as a painter, John Golding (British 1929-2012) quite literally wrote the book, on Modern Art through the publications of titles such as “Cubism: A History and an Analysis, 1907-1914,” first released in 1959 and “Paths to the Absolute” (2000), a study of seven Modernists: Piet Mondrian, Kazimir Malevich, Wassily Kandinsky, Jackson Pollock, Barnett Newman, Mark Rothko and Clyfford Still. In addition to his cognitive contributions as a vocal advocate of abstraction, Golding curated highly regarded exhibitions - handling the likes of both Henri Matisse and Picasso.

Thank goodness for inconvenience! Without it, Louis Vuitton (French 1821-1892) would never have knocked together the rectangular travel trunks that have been stylishly protecting precious cargo for nearly 160 years. In 1858, four years after opening his shop in Paris, Vuitton modernized travel design by doing away with domed cases and revisiting the simple box shape. His suggestion to stack the luggage would focus his brand on carefully transporting belongings via railroad and steamship. Treasured by French royalty and high society, Louis Vuittons luxury brand is still unmatched in durability and iconic elegance.

This catalog will feature 27 Lots of Louis Vuittons innovative designs in an exciting range of uses and shapes; groupings and individual hard-sided suitcases, jewelry trunks, a large duffle bag, hat boxes, garment bags, picture frames, briefcases, a shoe trunk, a backgammon set and many others! Click here to view take a look at the full selection.

Less is more; Ludwig Mies van der Rohes (German 1886-1969) experimentation in free flowing spaces and the rhythmic arrangement of planes of glass, stone and metal catapulted him to the forefront of modern architecture. His understanding and appreciation of material is legendary and is regarded as one of Knolls most important designers. His friendship and mentorship to Florence Knoll while instructing her at IIT in Chicago, granted the, now internationally known, design firm the exclusive rights to produce his furniture. Lot 1099, (6) Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll "Brno" chairs, 20th c; Estimate $1,200 - $1,800 is a generous offering and a classic example of Mies Van Der Rohes inventive silhouettes.

Considered the master of candid moments, Henri Cartier-Bresson (French 1908 - 2004) is one of the most influential, accomplished and beloved figures in the history of photography. His pioneering of street photography during major cultural and political movements opened the doors to photojournalist around the world. Throughout the 20th Century, Cartier-Bressons striking portraiture and instrumental presentation of modernity through film, distinguishes him above all other cameramen. Lot 1204, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Matisse in Teriades Garden, Gelatin silver print, 1953; Estimate $1,000 - $1,500 is one of many recognized portraits taken of Henri Matisse, where both artists engage and exchange a comfortable impression on the viewer, so as to comfortably welcome you into the frame in otherwise unreachable perimeters.

Affiliated with a pivotal generation of artists who changed the face of sculpture, Isaac Witkin (South Africa 1936-2006) shook up the art scene in London and New York with his colorful Pop-Art inspired structures. In the late 1960s he elegantly welded steel and cast bronze works which were shown in one of Minimalisms defining exhibitions, "Primary Structures," at the Jewish Museum in New York. He worked as an assistant for the famous Henry Moore and also taught at Bennington College in VT - along with other modernists known as "the Green Mountain boys." Lot 1124, Isaac Witkin, Untitled (Abstract) Welded corten steel, 1975; Estimate $1,200 - $1,800 is a dynamic and conveniently scaled example of Witkins complex designs whose metal patina will only get better with age.

Additional highlights from Day 1, 2 and 3 include; The Jay P. Altmayer Family Collection: Americana, Southern Art & Garden Statuary from Palmetto Hall, Mobile, Alabama; Property including American Folk Art from the Personal Collection of Cyndi Lauper; Rare French avant-garde photographs and art from The Estate of Rosamund Bernier; a Single Owner Collection of Couture & Luxury Clothing and Accessories from a New Canaan, Connecticut Estate; scarce India Company and European works on paper from The Ford Foundation; Select property from the Collection of Guy and Marie-Helene Weill, New York; and a fine selection of Modern Design including works by Carlo Bugatti, Jean Tetard, Karl Springer, and Hans Wegner.